Double Nominations, Deeper Purpose: What the BBOT Awards Meant for My Business ✨

When I first learned that I had been nominated for not one, but two Brampton Board of Trade (BBOT) Business Excellence Awards, Community Contributor and Community Choice, I was stunned.

These categories recognize impact, visibility, and leadership, and while I’ve always strived to show up consistently for my clients and community, I wasn’t expecting to be spotlighted in this way. The support that followed was nothing short of humbling.

What started as a quiet nomination ended in a wave of messages, votes, kind words, and encouragement. Friends, collaborators, and even strangers reached out to let me know they had voted for me.

That level of support reminded me just how deeply relationship-building and meaningful work can ripple.

2025 Brampton Board of Trade, Business Excellence Awards - Community Contributor Nominees

🔍 What the Journey Taught Me

1. Retention Starts with Relationships

I’ve always believed that retention is more than keeping a client or customer—it’s about sustaining trust. Being nominated helped me reflect on how intentional relationship-building has made all the difference in my business.

The nominations were only possible because of the community I’ve built across Brampton and beyond. Whether it was through client projects, charitable collaborations, or grassroots campaigns, the common thread has been this: people remember how you show up, not just what you sell.

Left - Right: Katie Cleland, Director of Development - Regeneration Community Outreach, Jai-Paul Massey Singh, CEO - Brampton Board of Trade, Me, Natalie Williams - Founder & Managing Director - The Esteem Agency, and Warren Kozonguizi, Financial Advisor - Co-operators

2. Visibility is a Byproduct of Purpose

One of the most surprising parts of this journey was how much visibility came from simply doing the work, consistently and authentically.

It turns out that my first vote for Community Choice came from my partner, Michael who believed I needed to be recognized for working so hard. That single vote sparked a chain reaction.

What followed was overwhelming support, a flurry of congratulations, and even a few new business opportunities. People saw the intention behind the work, and that speaks volumes.

Thanks babe!

3. Impact > Tenure

When I said I was surprised to be nominated, a few people responded with something I won’t forget: “It’s not how long you’ve been doing this, Nat—it’s the impact.”

That stuck with me.

As a relatively new business owner, it’s easy to fall into comparison or feel like you haven’t earned your seat at the table yet. But impact isn’t always measured in years. Sometimes, it’s measured in how deeply you serve, how authentically you engage, and how intentionally you build.

2025 Brampton Board of Trade, Business Excellence Awards - Community Choice Nominees

4. Leadership is Often Quiet Work

While the Community Choice nomination was voted on by the public, much of what I do is behind the scenes: building retention systems, coaching clients, helping nonprofits grow, and crafting experiences that make people feel seen and supported.

Being recognized by the BBOT reminded me that leadership isn’t just about being behind the scenes; it’s also about choosing to step into the spotlight, so your community knows that you lead with intention, care, consistency, and clarity.

Left to Right: Me - Natalie Williams, The Esteem Agency, Amisha Moorjani, The Food Quotient - Community Contributor Award Winner, Upjit Kansal, JD Factors & 100 Women Who Care Brampton - Emgering Leader Award Winner plus Angela Massey Singh, Making Waves Swim School

🌻 The Small Things Matter

When it came time to decide what to include in the BBOT guest gift bags, I tucked in a brochure and a packet of sunflower seeds, symbolizing growth, optimism, and a simple message: let’s grow together.

I wanted fellow business owners and sponsors to know that if they ever need support growing their client base, building loyalty, or driving deeper engagement, I’d love to work with them.

450 attendees received a brochure and sunflower seed package

💜 A Personal Note of Gratitude

Perhaps the most meaningful part of this journey was hearing my parents say, “We’re proud of you.” They encouraged me to stay the course, so long as entrepreneurship continues to bring me joy and supports the life I want to live.

That kind of affirmation reminds me that the real success is in staying aligned with purpose.

Photo with Mom & Dad

Final Thoughts

The Esteem Agency was built on the belief that business growth and community growth go hand in hand. These nominations were an honour, but more importantly, they were a reflection of what’s possible when you commit to delivering value and creating genuine connections.

This journey has affirmed what I know to be true: client success and community impact are not separate—they are deeply linked.

I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished so far, and I’m excited for what’s next.